ProDeep Non-Ablative Fractional Laser

• Avoid all sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanner for 4 weeks prior. Treating tanned skin increases the risk of blistering and permanent pigment change.
• Discontinue retinoids (Retin-A, Renova, Differin) and exfoliating acids 1 week prior.
• Depending on your skin tone and pigment history, a brightening prep cream may be recommended for 4 weeks before treatment to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation; this is arranged through our nurse practitioner.
• If you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex), let us know when booking. An outbreak can be triggered by treatment, and a preventive antiviral prescription can be arranged through our nurse practitioner. For fractional laser this is strongly recommended for anyone with a cold sore history.
• Please disclose isotretinoin (Accutane) use now or within the past 6 to 12 months; fractional resurfacing is deferred during this window.
• Have a bland occlusive moisturizer (such as Aquaphor or Vaseline) at home for the first days of healing.

Arrive with completely clean skin: no makeup, creams, or sunscreen. Wear comfortable clothing that does not need to be pulled over your face, skip jewelry in the area, and come well hydrated. A numbing cream is applied before treatment. Afterward, intense warmth, redness, and a strong sunburn sensation for 2 to 8 hours is a normal response; cool compresses for 10 to 20 minutes at a time and plain Tylenol as directed help with comfort.

• Day 1 to 2: skin feels tight, swollen, warm, or itchy, and redness improves significantly within 48 hours. Swelling (especially around the eyes) can appear for 3 to 5 days and is normal.
• A fine sandpaper texture and bronzed appearance develops as microscopic treated columns shed over roughly a week. Do not pick or scrub; let it shed on its own.
• Keep skin continuously moisturized with the recommended bland occlusive for the first 3 days. Quick cool or lukewarm showers only.
• Avoid aerobic exercise, saunas, and hot tubs for 3 days.
• No retinoids, retinol, glycolic, or salicylic products for 1 week.
• Makeup may be used from day 3 with gentle application and removal.
• Avoid prolonged sun for at least 4 weeks and wear a zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunscreen daily. Sun exposure during healing can cause permanent discoloration.
• Collagen remodeling continues for 3 to 6 months, and a series of treatments is typically needed for the full result.

• Isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 6 to 12 months: Healing complications; treatment is deferred.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Fractional laser is deferred until after.
• Active skin infection, cold sores, or open wounds: Treatment is postponed until fully resolved.
• Known or suspected skin cancer in the treatment area: The laser is not used on or near suspicious lesions.
• Tanned skin or recent sun exposure: Treatment will be rescheduled.
• Immunosuppression: Increased risk of healing complications; requires assessment.
• Photosensitizing medications: Full medication disclosure is required.
• History of keloid scarring: Higher risk of abnormal scarring; requires assessment.
• Prior radiation therapy to the area: Impaired healing; requires assessment.
• Uncontrolled systemic illness or conditions affecting healing: Requires assessment.
• Skin conditions such as vitiligo, lichen planus, or active psoriasis in the area: May be worsened by resurfacing.
• Deeper skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV to VI): Higher risk of pigment change; requires careful assessment, conservative settings, and pre-treatment.